Red Velvet Brownies Recipe

The Dreamiest Red Velvet Brownies Recipe Ever Made

Decadent red velvet brownies promise a luxurious chocolate experience that melts into pure bliss.

Sweet cocoa notes dance across rich layers of indulgence.

Crimson-hued squares beckon with their velvety allure and irresistible charm.

Dense chocolate textures promise an incredible dessert moment that surprises and delights.

Silky smooth edges hint at the incredible treat waiting inside.

Chocolate lovers will absolutely adore this sensational spin on classic brownies.

Prepare to fall head over heels for these sinfully delicious squares that transform an ordinary afternoon into something magical.

Red Velvet Brownies That Feel Fancy and Romantic

  • Quick Romance Boost: Prepare this delectable dessert in under an hour, making it an ideal last-minute treat for date nights or spontaneous celebrations.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Charm: The marbled cream cheese swirls and vibrant red color guarantee a showstopping dessert that will delight guests and family members alike.
  • Versatile Celebration Dessert: Suitable for various occasions like weddings, anniversaries, Valentine's Day, or romantic dinner parties, these brownies add a touch of sweet sophistication to any gathering.

Red Velvet Brownies Ingredients

Wet Ingredients:
  • Butter, Sugar: Rich base that provides moisture and sweetness, unsalted butter recommended for better flavor control.
  • Eggs: Binding agent that helps create a smooth, cohesive texture, room temperature eggs blend easier.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor profile, pure vanilla extract offers more depth.
  • Red Food Coloring: Signature red velvet color, gel food coloring provides more intense color.
Dry Ingredients:
  • Cocoa Powder: Delivers chocolate depth and rich color, Dutch-processed cocoa recommended for smoother taste.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and stability to brownies, sifting helps prevent lumps.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances other flavors, use fine table salt for even distribution.
Cream Cheese Swirl:
  • Cream Cheese, Sugar: Creates tangy, creamy swirl that complements chocolate base, full-fat cream cheese recommended for best texture.
  • Egg Yolk: Adds richness and helps bind cream cheese mixture, ensure fresh egg yolk for best results.
  • Vanilla Extract: Complements cream cheese flavor, adds subtle warmth to the swirl.

Red Velvet Brownies Newlywed Treat Steps

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Warm up the oven to 350°F.

Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, creating small overhangs to help lift the brownies later.

Spray the parchment with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Brownie Base

Grab a mixing bowl and combine:
  • Melted butter
  • Granulated sugar
  • Eggs
  • Vanilla extract
  • Red food coloring

Whisk everything together until the mixture looks smooth and vibrant red.

Step 3: Create Brownie Batter

Sift dry ingredients into the wet mixture:
  • Cocoa powder
  • All-purpose flour
  • Salt

Gently fold until ingredients are just combined.

Pour most of the batter into the prepared pan, keeping a small amount for swirling.

Step 4: Craft Cheesecake Swirl

In a separate bowl, blend cream cheese ingredients:
  • Cream cheese
  • Sugar
  • Egg yolk
  • Vanilla extract

Beat until silky and smooth.

Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter.

Step 5: Design Marbled Pattern

Use a knife to create beautiful swirls by dragging the cream cheese through the brownie base.

Drizzle remaining brownie batter on top and swirl again for a stunning marble effect.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven.

Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Allow brownies to cool completely before cutting into squares.

Dessert Tips For Red Velvet Brownies

  • Adjust the amount of red food coloring to achieve your desired vibrant red hue, from soft blush to deep crimson tones.
  • Use parchment paper overhang to easily lift and remove brownies, ensuring clean, precise cutting without sticking.
  • Mix batter gently and avoid overmixing to maintain a fudgy, tender brownie consistency with soft cream cheese swirls.
  • Use a knife or toothpick to create elegant marbled patterns by gently dragging through the cream cheese and brownie batter in random, artistic motions.
  • Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days or refrigerate for up to a week, ensuring maximum moisture and flavor retention.

Store Wedding Brownies for Gifting

  • Store brownies in an airtight container for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and moist by placing parchment paper between layers.
  • Wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for 2-3 months, ensuring maximum flavor preservation.
  • Remove brownies from freezer and let sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes, allowing them to soften naturally without compromising texture.
  • Warm brownies briefly in microwave for 10-15 seconds on low power, preventing them from becoming dry or tough.

What Works With Red Velvet Brownies

  • Pair Perfectly with Romantic Dessert Wines: Choose a sweet Port or Moscato to complement the rich, velvety texture of red velvet brownies, enhancing their decadent chocolate undertones.
  • Serve with Creamy Vanilla Companion: Scoop premium vanilla bean ice cream alongside the brownies, creating a luxurious temperature and flavor contrast that melts beautifully together.
  • Match with Smooth Espresso Shots: Brew a strong espresso or cappuccino to cut through the sweetness, providing a sophisticated coffee note that balances the brownies' intense flavor profile.
  • Elevate with Fresh Berry Garnish: Arrange fresh raspberries or strawberry slices around the plate, adding a tart brightness that refreshes the palate and provides a gorgeous visual presentation.

Red Velvet Brownies for Every Sweet Tooth

  • Gluten-Free Red Velvet Brownies: Replace regular flour with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend to create a celiac-friendly version without compromising taste.
  • Vegan Red Velvet Brownies: Swap eggs with flax eggs or applesauce, use coconut oil instead of butter, and select dairy-free cream cheese for a plant-based alternative.
  • Low-Sugar Red Velvet Brownies: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reduce overall sugar content, and use unsweetened cocoa powder to create a diabetic-friendly dessert.
  • Keto Red Velvet Brownies: Replace traditional flour with coconut or almond flour, use erythritol as a sweetener, and incorporate cream cheese for a low-carb, high-fat brownie option.

FAQs

  • What makes red velvet brownies different from classic brownies?

Red velvet brownies combine the rich chocolate flavor of traditional brownies with a distinctive red color and subtle tanginess from cocoa powder and food coloring. The cream cheese swirl adds an extra layer of creamy texture that sets them apart from standard brownies.

  • Can I reduce the amount of food coloring in the recipe?

Yes, you can adjust the food coloring amount. If you prefer a lighter red color, use less food coloring. Some bakers even use natural alternatives like beetroot powder for a more subtle red hue while maintaining the classic red velvet taste.

  • Is the cream cheese swirl necessary for the recipe?

While the cream cheese swirl adds a delicious creamy element, it’s optional. If you prefer plain brownies or have dietary restrictions, you can omit the cream cheese layer without significantly affecting the overall texture of the brownies.

  • How do I achieve the perfect swirl pattern?

Use a knife or toothpick to gently drag through the cream cheese and brownie batter in a zigzag or circular motion. Don’t overmix – the key is to create a light, marbled effect without completely blending the batters together.

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Red Velvet Brownies Recipe

Red Velvet Brownies Recipe


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4.5 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 16 1x

Description

Sinful Red Velvet Brownies elevate chocolate desserts with their rich crimson hue and luxurious texture. Chocolate lovers will savor each velvety bite, experiencing pure decadence that promises romantic indulgence for special celebrations.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 8 ounces (227 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 1/4 cups (250 grams) granulated sugar

Flour and Dry Ingredients:

  • 3/4 cup (94 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup (25 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Flavoring and Coloring:

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon red food coloring

Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, ensuring edges extend for easy brownie removal.
  2. Create a smooth base by whisking melted butter with sugar until fully integrated, then incorporate eggs, vibrant red food coloring, and vanilla extract, blending thoroughly.
  3. Gently fold cocoa powder, flour, and salt into the wet mixture, stirring carefully to maintain a uniform texture without overmixing, then transfer most of the batter into the prepared pan.
  4. Craft a luscious cream cheese swirl by beating cream cheese with sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla until achieving a silky consistency.
  5. Strategically dollop cream cheese mixture across the brownie batter, using a knife to create elegant marbled patterns by dragging the blade through both mixtures.
  6. Enhance the decorative swirl by drizzling remaining brownie batter over the top, creating additional visual complexity.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, monitoring until a toothpick inserted near the center reveals a few moist crumbs, indicating perfect fudgy consistency.
  8. Allow brownies to cool completely in the pan, then lift out using parchment paper edges and slice into decadent squares.

Notes

  • Swap red food coloring with natural alternatives like beetroot powder for a healthier, chemical-free option.
  • Create gluten-free brownies by substituting all-purpose flour with almond or coconut flour for dietary restrictions.
  • Prevent over-mixing by gently folding dry ingredients to maintain a fudgy, tender brownie texture.
  • Cool brownies completely in the pan to help them set and achieve cleaner, more precise slicing.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 16
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 16 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Katherine Pierce

Katherine Pierce

Recipe Curator & Food Educator

Expertise

  • Curating diverse recipe collections
  • Educating on global culinary traditions
  • Developing informative food content

Education

Boston University Metropolitan College
Certificate Program in the Culinary Arts
Focus: French and international cuisine techniques, Hands-on culinary training with industry professionals, Food industry insights and operations


Katherine grew up believing every dish has a story. She studied the art of food at Boston University and explored the history behind it. She loves pulling easy recipes from every corner of the world and putting them at your fingertips.
When Katherine’s not writing or testing new flavors, she’s teaching cooking classes, baking colorful mooncakes, or dreaming up new ways to mix old favorites with new twists.

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